Need some advice for my first rifle....

[jahwarrior72]

i was in Walmart earlier today, buying board games fo rthe kids. as always, i stopped in sporting goods, to look at what they had. i've recently had a weird craving for a rifle. strange, i know. i've shot different sorts: semi auto, full auto, lever action, and bolt action, and i think i want a lever action as my first. i remember shooting my uncle's 30-30 years ago, and i didn't notice the recoil. i talked to the salesman, and they sell, IIRC, a Marlin 336 lever action rifle, in 30-30, for less than $400. he allowed me to handle it, and it felt easy to carry and aim. i really like it, but as i'm rifle illiterate, i wouldn't know if i were wasting my time. i know i want to spend less than $500; i don't hunt, but i want something that could if needed. so, please you long gunners, what do you suggest? i've shot different calibers in rifles; .308/7.62x39 is manageable, 30-30 is comfortable, .223/5.56 is laughable. these are what i can handle. thanks, youze guys.

[Burnsie]

Something else to think about is how often you are going to shoot. Ammo prices are going up and I think 30-30 goes for $15+ a box of 20. Same with .308.

Just something to think about.

[jahwarrior72]

Something else to think about is how often you are going to shoot. Ammo prices are going up and I think 30-30 goes for $15+ a box of 20. Same with .308.

Just something to think about.

well, i pay near $20 for 100 rounds of 9mm. i don't hink i'll be shooting very much, and it might get me to finally start reloading, if i do ending up shooting alot.

[Jailkeeper]

Jah? Of the calibers you mentioned I would go with .223 first & .308 second.

As a kid I grew up in my dad's gun shop (about 100 years ago). We were all about accuracy at 100 ~ 300 yards.

The most accurate rifle we ever had was a Remington chambered in 300 Winchester Magnum. It was more accurate than I could ever express.

I started hunting when I was 12 with a 7mm Mauser (sporterized). Then dad gave me a used .222 to try.

Later I switched to a 6.5 Remington Magnum for a while. Then a .32 Winchester Special.

I can honestly say I killed more whitetail deer with the .222 than with all the others combined. It was SOOO accurate.

If you are talking about shooting 100 yards and keeping a tight group you need to stick with the .308 or the .223.

30 caliber bullets shoot very flat.

I still prefer the lighter calibers like the .223.

[PisnNapalm]

Do you own a .22 rifle? If not that'd be a great place to start. It's great for the kids to learn to shoot with too.

[str8shooter]

I'd go with a Winchester model 94 in .30-30. If you plan to hunt, it'll do for any game you'll find in PA. It's got history, or more precisely, a legend behind it. And if you ever decide it's not for you, people will line up to buy it used. The down side, they quit making them on 2006 I think. Some dealers still have them new, but there's plenty to be found on the auction sites. There are many submodels to choose from, but information about what to look for and what to avoid is plentiful on the internet.

[DCChris]

Gander Mt. in DC has had some decent prices on rifles lately. I picked up a new Savage 30-06 with scope for $350 out the door. They also had a bunch of 270's in that range.

[Emptymag]

jahwarrior,

Check out my Marlin. Link in my current sig line.

Besides the common 30-30, they can be had in pistol calibers as well.
I plan on getting a revolver one day, and wanted a caliber to share with a lever gun.

You can't go wrong with a 30-30. Look for a used one. They are EVERYWHERE.

The .22 is a good idea as well. Initially I wanted one.
The Henry is what I was going to get before the Marlin came along at the right price.
http://www.henryrepeating.com/h001_leveraction.cfm

[bloomautomatic]

Do you own a .22 rifle? If not that'd be a great place to start. It's great for the kids to learn to shoot with too.

I second that. At $15/500 (give or take), you'll do a lot more shooting than you will with any other caliber. And it's a great way to get the kids into it.

And while I'm throwing out opinions, if you do want to buy a rifle, I suggest supporting your local gun shop instead of wal-mart.

Vince

[jahwarrior72]

jahwarrior,

Check out my Marlin. Link in my current sig line.

Besides the common 30-30, they can be had in pistol calibers as well.
I plan on getting a revolver one day, and wanted a caliber to share with a lever gun.

You can't go wrong with a 30-30. Look for a used one. They are EVERYWHERE.

The .22 is a good idea as well. Initially I wanted one.
The Henry is what I was going to get before the Marlin came along at the right price.
http://www.henryrepeating.com/h001_leveraction.cfm

i like the .357! where'd you get it?